ABOUT ITLA'S CERTIFICATION OF SPECIALIZATION PROGRAMThe Idaho Trial Lawyers Association is a non-profit professional association devoted to improving the quality of trial advocacy through training and education. ITLA founded its Certification of Specialization Program to aid Idaho=s citizens and your prospective clients in choosing experienced legal representation. ITLA administrative offices are located in Boise with a Board of Directors consisting of dedicated trial attorneys from all areas of the state.

WHY GET CERTIFIED?With the demands of today's sophisticated marketplace, certification by the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association offers you an edge over self-designed specialists: those certified by ITLA may promote that they have met the objectives and rigorous standards approved by the Idaho State Bar Association. Ability to meet these stringent requirements makes certification a highly regarded credential.

THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ITLA CERTIFICATION OF SPECIALIZATIONIn addition to answering "yes" to the following questions and documenting the necessary information, applicants must successfully complete a written examination in the specific area of specialization.

Are you currently a member in good standing of the Idaho Bar Association?

Have you been a practicing attorney for at least five years?

Have you participated in at least 30 hours of continuing legal education in the field of specialization in the past three years?

Can you provide ITLA with two judges and ten attorneys for use as professional references?

Have you acted as lead counsel in the required number of jury and court trials in the prospective area of certification?

APPLICATION FOR ITLA CERTIFICATIONIf it appears from this information that you may qualify for certification in civil law, criminal law and/or workers' compensation law, contact the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association toll-free at 1-888-262-ITLA or in the Boise area at 345-1890 to request an application packet.

Upon successful completion of the application process, written exam and approval by ITLA's Certification of Specialization Committee, you will become certified for five years. However, this is contingent upon satisfying ongoing ethical and reporting requirements. Your certifi-cation is renewable provided you maintain an active trial practice in the field of specialization and meet the standards for recertification.

The fee for filing an application for specialization is $500. There is no additional fee for the written examination and no annual fees. The fee for recertification is $100. (Fees subject to change without notice.)

Idaho Trial Lawyers Association does not discriminate against any lawyer seeking certification on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age, except as the natural consequence of reasonable experience requirements.

WHAT ABOUT RECERTIFICATION?Certification is for a period of five years and is contingent upon satisfying ongoing ethical and reporting requirements. Additionally, attorneys must meet the standards for recertification which include: continuing legal education, peer review, proof of good standing in the profession, judicial review, and, of course, an active trial practice in the field of specialization.